prevention of bullying policy - berkhamsted school · 2017. 10. 16. · meet separately with the...

Berkhamsted Schools Group

Prevention of Bullying Policy

of 12 © Berkhamsted Schools Group 2016



Berkhamsted Prep

Berkhamsted Pre-Prep

Berkhamsted Boys

Berkhamsted Girls

Berkhamsted Sixth

Heatherton House

Berkhamsted Day Nursery Ltd.

Berkhamsted Enterprises Ltd.

Revision and Terminology

Please refer to the School Policies’ Policy.

Owner Head of Senior Boys

Version Number: 2

Working Date: 05 February2016

Legal Sign-off by: N/A

Legal Sign-off Date: N/A

Statutory Policy? / Other Policy? Regulatory

Authorised by: Full Governors 26/11/2016

Exec – 16/06//16

Effective date of Policy: 16/06/2016

Circulation: Governors/SMT/Other Senior Staff

Status: Published




Contents

Scope of this policy ............................................................................................... 3

1 Definition of Bullying ..................................................................................... 3

2 Statement ..................................................................................................... 3

3 Aims: ............................................................................................................ 3

4 Procedures to Follow for the Reporting of Bullying ...................................... 4

5 Monitoring Bullying ....................................................................................... 6

6 Involvement of Parents/Other adults ............................................................ 6

7 Involvement of Pupils ................................................................................... 8

Appendix 1 - Student Anti-Bullying Policy ........................................................... 10

Appendix 2 – Cyber Bullying – Identification and Prevention.............................. 11

1 Overview .................................................................................................... 11

2 What type of actions count as cyber bullying? ........................................... 11

3 Keeping yourself and others safe ............................................................... 11

4 What can you do? ...................................................................................... 12

5 Useful Links: ............................................................................................... 12




Scope of this policy

1 Definition of Bullying

1.1 Repeated verbal or physical actions over time or a single act of great significance

that intentionally hurts another pupil or group physically or emotionally and is

often motivated by prejudice against particular groups, for example, on grounds of

race, religion, culture, sex, gender, homophobia, special educational needs,

adopted or a carer and disability. It might be motivated by actual differences

between children or perceived differences. It may occur directly or through cyber-

technology (social websites, mobile phones, text messages, photographs and

email).

2 Statement

2.1 The Berkhamsted Schools Group, in line with the Independent School Standards

Regulations 2015, is committed to providing a caring and safe environment for all

pupils and staff. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. If bullying does occur, all

pupils or staff should be able to report the incident and know that incidents will be

dealt with promptly and effectively. We recognize that bullying, both physical and

emotional is serious and may cause psychological damage. Strong sanctions

such as exclusion may be necessary in cases of severe and persistent bullying.

Within the Group, the aim is to create an ethos of good behaviour where pupils

treat one another and the school staff with respect because they know this is the

right way to behave. Values of respect for staff and other pupils and a clear

understanding of how our actions affect others are reinforced by staff.

2.2 Guidance has been sought from the DfE document Preventing and Tackling

Bullying (2014) when creating this policy and reference made to the Equality Act

2010 and Children Act 1989.

2.3 This policy relates to pupils only. For any bullying incidents towards members of

staff refer to the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

3 Aims:

3.1 Provide an environment where everybody feels secure, respected and valued

3.2 Create an atmosphere which builds pupil self-esteem

3.3 Zero tolerance to any form of harassment or bullying

3.4 All reported incidents are listened to and followed up with swift action when

necessary

3.5 Staff to act as positive role models in terms of communication and respect for

each other

3.6 Minimisation of the opportunities for bullying (e.g. appropriate supervision and




vigilance at key times in the school day, such as break and lunchtimes)

3.7 Implement a structured PSHE programme (including assemblies, drama, projects,

stories) which aims to develop personal and inter-personal skills and deals

specifically with the issue of bullying

3.8 Contact with personal tutors or form teachers for every pupil on a regular basis

3.9 To provide Internet security, filtering and ICT education

3.10 To undertake an annual wellbeing survey to raise awareness and reflect on

positive actions that may be developed as a result of this;

3.11 Ensure pupils are made aware of and have access to additional support within

school, e.g. peer supporters, teachers, counsellor, nurse, chaplain;

3.12 Ensure that pupils have contact details for external agencies, e.g. ChildLine.

4 Procedures to Follow for the Reporting of Bullying

4.1 Under the Children Act 1989 a bullying incident should be addressed as a child

protection concern when there is ‘reasonable cause to suspect that a child is

suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.

4.2 Although bullying in itself is not a specific criminal offence, it is important to bear in

mind that some types of harassing or threatening behaviour – or communications

- could be a criminal offence. If the School feels that an offence may have been

committed, then it will seek assistance from the police.

4.3 Teachers have the power to discipline pupils for misbehaving outside the school

premises to such an extent as is reasonable. This can relate to any bullying

incidents occurring anywhere off the school premises. Where bullying outside

school is reported to school staff, it should be investigated and acted upon. This

includes incidents of bullying occurring on school transport. In all cases of

misbehaviour or bullying the teacher can only discipline the pupil on school

premises or elsewhere when the pupil is under the lawful control of the staff

member.

4.4 The school promotes the idea that caring for each other is of prime concern. All

situations are dealt with promptly and talked through thoroughly. We seek to gain

a clear picture of the situation and clearly explain ideas about unfairness, cruel

actions and the consequences of such actions.

4.5 All staff should be vigilant and aware of the Signs and Symptoms of bullying (see

paragraph on Signs and Symptoms). They should deal promptly with suspected

or actual bullying and report to the Head of House or Form Teacher, Boarding

Staff and senior staff as appropriate.




4.6 Explain to the person disclosing bullying that if you feel they may be at risk, you

cannot promise confidentiality.

4.7 Explain to them that you will discuss with them how to proceed, so they can be as

comfortable as possible with the actions to be taken and you are able to sustain

their confidence.

4.8 Initially establish the facts; ask open-ended questions; listen, believe and support

pupils who say they have been bullied.

4.9 If possible, gain a written account of what happened from both the alleged victim

of bullying and the alleged bully, asking them to express their opinions; the written

records should be dated and signed, from all parties present. Witness statements

should be included as appropriate. Statements and Interviews should be

conducted in the presence of a responsible adult, whenever possible. Statements

about possible consequences should not be made.

4.10 Inform the appropriate Head of House or Form Teacher who should ensure that a

full record of the incident has been made and that the truth of the incident has

been established as far as possible.

4.11 The Head of House or Form Teacher will then make a decision on how to proceed

with the problem in consultation with the member of staff involved.

4.12 The Head of House or Form Teacher/Senior Manager/Deputy Head/Head will

meet separately with the alleged bully and victim to discuss the specific incident(s)

and the general situation in order to identify the cause of the bullying; depending

on the seriousness of the incident(s) or general situation, parents may be invited

to this or a further meeting; appropriate sanctions will be imposed which will follow

from the School’s Behaviour Policy. Sanctions will reflect the seriousness of an

incident and convey a deterrent effect. Please refer to the School’s Behaviour and

Discipline Policy with specific reference to Appendices 1 – 5 which give

information on the procedures within each specific school. It is important to

consider the motivations behind bullying behaviour and whether it reveals any

concerns for the safety of the perpetrator. Where this is the case, the child

engaging in bullying may need support themselves.

4.13 Boarding staff should be informed in cases involving all boarders. Good behaviour

is promoted amongst the School’s Boarders, who follow whole school policies. In

addition, procedures specific to boarding are detailed in the Boarding Pupil

Handbook.

4.14 Cyber-bullying will be investigated using the same procedures, with support from

the ICT technical team, the Head of eSafety, the DSPs and the DLP where

appropriate. The wider search powers included in the Education Act 2011 give

teachers stronger powers to tackle cyber-bullying by providing a specific power to




search for and, if necessary, delete inappropriate images on electronic devices,

including mobile phones. Please see the eSafety, IT and Child Protection and

Safeguarding policies for further details.

4.15 Counselling should be used to support both the victim and bully in order to help

change attitudes and behaviours. The situation will continue to be monitored by

the Head of House or Form Teacher for an appropriate length of time after the

incident has been resolved.

4.16 Records must be kept in the bullying log to evaluate the effectiveness of the

approach adopted and to enable patterns to be identified.

5 Monitoring Bullying

5.1 We always keep logs of bullying incidents and aim to keep parents informed of

any action taken by the School. Bullying behaviour is not tolerated and any

child/children involved are monitored carefully. The staff are proactive in looking

for signs of issues between pupils which might provoke conflict and develop

strategies which might prevent bullying occurring in the first place.

5.2 Bullying is monitored in school through:

5.2.1 Bullying logs;

5.2.2 Pupil questionnaires such as annual wellbeing survey;

5.2.3 Staff vigilance and good pupil/staff relationships;

5.2.4 Making bullying an item on the agenda of Heads of House Meetings

when appropriate;

5.2.5 Heads of School monitor bullying logs half termly and exercise particular

vigilance for patterns of behaviour.

6 Involvement of Parents/Other adults

6.1 Support for Parents

6.1.1 At school we aim to support parents of children who are either bullying or

being bullied. We support parents by discussing the problems and

offering help and advice as soon as the situation becomes evident.

6.1.2 Parents are invited to meetings at school so that the situation can be

closely monitored. If the child is bullying, then sanctions may be

discussed. The reasons why the child may have chosen to bully are also

discussed. What kind of support can be given to the child to help them

change their behaviour is explored. If the child is being bullied, problems




and possible solutions are discussed, including ways to help the child deal

with this problem, ways to help build self-esteem (often connected to those

who are bullied) and ways to ensure all incidents are reported and

explored.

6.2 Parents can receive ongoing support from the pastoral teams (including Senior

Management), Chaplain, School Counsellors, Director of Pupil Wellbeing, Nurses,

and Head of Online Safety. A Programme of Talks and Courses is made available

to all parents. Parents may also be directed to information and advice from

external and online resources and agencies, such as ChildLine, Care line and

Kidscape.

6.3 Members of staff have an Induction Programme that includes guidance from the

Wellbeing team (Director of Pupil Wellbeing, Counsellor, Learning Support,

Chaplain, Nurse) and a requirement to read School Policies and Procedures

(including Prevention of Bullying), and sign a declaration that they have done so.

Whilst working at Berkhamsted, members of staff may receive ongoing support,

as appropriate, from the Wellbeing team as well as the pastoral teams (including

Senior Management) within the Schools Group. Ongoing staff training is available

via the School CPD programme which includes topics such as ‘Language for

wellbeing’ and ‘Homophobia.’

6.4 Signs and symptoms of bullying:

6.4.1 Reluctance to go to school (school phobic)

6.4.2 A pattern of minor illnesses

6.4.3 Damaged possessions or clothing

6.4.4 Missing items of equipment

6.4.5 Aggression to siblings

6.4.6 Mood swings or character changes

6.4.7 Changes in eating habits

6.4.8 Difficulty sleeping

6.4.9 Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations

6.4.10 Get into physical or verbal fights

6.4.11 Have friends who bully others

6.4.12 Blame others for their problems

6.4.13 Don’t accept responsibility for their actions

6.4.14 Standards falling at school




6.4.15 Unexplained injuries

6.4.16 Asking for money or stealing money

6.4.17 Vulnerable groups include: Appearance, Age/Maturity, Disability, Special

Needs, Medical condition, Ability/Application, Race/Ethnicity, Gender

identity, Religion/Belief, Home/Class Background, Adopted or is a carer,

looked after, Sex, Sexual orientation

6.5 If a parent suspects or knows that their child is a victim of bullying they are asked

to:

6.5.1 Report any concerns to their child’s form teacher or Head of House as

soon as possible.

6.5.2 Listen carefully to the child, reassure and support them.

6.5.3 Advise them how to cope in a non-violent manner (e.g. walk away).

6.5.4 Build up the child’s self-esteem and learn how to be assertive.

6.6 If a parent suspects or knows that their child is involved with bullying behaviour

they are asked to:

6.6.1 Talk through the situation calmly.

6.6.2 Support the school in expecting this behaviour to stop (reminding child if

necessary).

6.6.3 Accept that this may have happened due to peer group pressure and the

child may be bullying to avoid being bullied themselves.

6.6.4 Acknowledge that this may or may not be an isolated incident.

6.6.5 Ease the situation by using a sensitive approach.

6.6.6 Explain to their child why this situation cannot continue and why it is

important to you and your family.

7 Involvement of Pupils

7.1 Pupils should be encouraged to take responsibility for preventing bullying by using

a range of strategies.

7.1.1 Asking the bully to stop;

7.1.2 Rescuing the victim;

7.1.3 Staying with or close to a potential victim;

7.1.4 Talking to a bully at a time when he/she is not bullying;

7.1.5 Taking collective responsibility, by not standing around and watching




someone being bullied;

7.1.6 Ensuring that personal contact numbers given to others are restricted

and if necessary changed;

7.1.7 Having a mentoring system, where the younger pupils are paired with

older ones so that they have someone to go to if they need help;

7.1.8 Contributing to the writing and implementation of a policy for dealing with

any problems of this nature within the House.

7.2 Pupils are encouraged to discuss the issue of bullying within their Houses/Forms.

The School Council has produced a Prevention of Bullying Policy, a copy of which

is given below. Support for pupils within the School, including SEND pupils and

lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pupils is directly available from the

pastoral teams (including Senior Management), Peer Supporters, Chaplain,

School Counsellors, Nurses, the Learning Support Department and Head of

Online Safety.




Appendix 1 - Student Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying occurs when someone is made to feel uncomfortable or unhappy.

Bullying is not accepted at this school.

Bullying can be either emotional and/or physical.

Emotional bullying can include:

Name calling (including racial, sexist, homophobic comments).

Isolation (e.g. rejecting someone from a group).

Hiding or tampering with someone’s belongings.

This can occur to someone’s face or as cyber-bullying (e.g. texting, posting on websites).

Physical bullying can include:

Pushing, tripping, and jostling.

Hitting.

Stopping Bullying

What to do if you are being bullied

Tell someone as soon as possible, no matter how minor you think the situation may

appear. (e.g. Heads of House, parents, any teacher, peer supporters, friends, School

Counsellor, Director of Pupil Wellbeing, School Chaplain, School Nurses.)

Try and avoid situations where problems may occur.

Make it clear that you find the situation unpleasant.

Most difficulties can be resolved very quickly if you communicate early

What to do if you see others being bullied

Challenge the behaviour.

Support the person being bullied.

Report the problem.




Appendix 2 – Cyber Bullying – Identification and Prevention

1 Overview

1.1 Bullying is the act of intentionally causing harm to others, through verbal

harassment, physical assault, or other more subtle methods, i.e. exclusion from a

group or spreading rumours, etc.

1.2 Cyber bullying is bullying using technology. This means things like prank calling,

sending nasty text messages and posting on hate sites, as well as forwarding hurtful

emails, sending round humiliating videos, photos, and any other digital media.

1.3 Using the School’s network, or a personal mobile phone, or a home PC, to send out

messages, images, online posts, SMS messages, phone calls, or any other type of

digital communication that undermines, intimidates, upsets, or disturbs, another

student, or a member of staff, will be considered to be cyber bullying. The School

makes no differentiation between bullying that occurs via digital means to bullying

that occurs in person, and any incidence of cyber bullying will be dealt with severely.

2 What type of actions count as cyber bullying?

2.1 Email: Sending threatening emails or intimidating someone.

2.2 Social Networking Sites: Posting hurtful comments on someone's profile, faking

profiles, or using someone else’s profile to pretend to leave comments by them.

2.3 Chat: Saying nasty things in chat and instant messaging.

2.4 Gaming: Ganging up on another player or excluding them.

2.5 Phones: Making prank calls, nasty texts, photo messages, or videos.

2.6 Webcams: Making people do things on webcams that upset them, forcing them to

do anything that they do not wish to do.

2.7 Forums and Message Boards: Ganging up on someone, excluding someone,

making hurtful comments, or using someone else’s profile to pretend to leave

comments by them.

3 Keeping yourself and others safe

3.1 Don’t post content that is very personal – keep information general.

3.2 Think carefully about posting pictures online – once it’s there, anyone can see it or

use it.

3.3 Don’t share your passwords – keep your personal information private!




3.4 It’s not a good idea to meet up with someone you meet online – you don’t really

know who they are!

3.5 Try to think carefully before you write things online – people can get the wrong end

of the stick.

3.6 Respect other people’s views – just because you don’t agree with them, it doesn’t

mean you have to be rude or abusive.

4 What can you do?

4.1 Tell someone you trust.

4.2 Report any cyberbullying, even if it’s not happening to you.

4.3 Never respond/retaliate as it could make matters worse.

4.4 Block the cyberbullies from contacting you.

4.5 Save and print any bullying messages, posts, pictures or videos that you receive or

see online. However, please read the Child Protection and eSafety Policies

with regard to images that may be illegal (which must not by shared or

printed, other than by DSPs under strict external guidelines).

4.6 Make a note of the dates and times they are received.

4.7 Keep your passwords private.

4.8 Don’t post any personal information or pictures online.

4.9 Have fun...but surf the internet safely!

5 Useful Links:

www.beatbullying.org

http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

http://www.websafecrackerz.com/

http://www.cyberbullying.org/

Information provided by beatbullying.org

http://www.beatbullying.org/

http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

http://www.websafecrackerz.com/

http://www.cyberbullying.org/

prevention of bullying policy - berkhamsted school · 2017. 10. 16. · meet separately with the...

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